Novel organoleptic compounds

ABSTRACT

The present invention pertains to novel (alkoxymethylene)octahydro- 1 H-4,7-methanoindene compounds and their unexpected advantageous use thereof in enhancing, improving or modifying the fragrance of perfumes, colognes, toilet waters, fabric care products, personal products, and the like.

STATUS OF RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/557,239, filed Sep. 12, 2017, the contents hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to novel chemical entities and a method of using the same as fragrance materials.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is an ongoing need in the fragrance industry to provide new chemicals to give perfumers and other persons the ability to create new fragrances for perfumes, colognes and personal care products. Those with skill in the art appreciate how small differences in chemical structures can result in unexpected and significant differences in odor, notes and characteristics of molecules. These variations allow perfumers and other persons to apply new compounds in creating new fragrances. For example, benzene compounds that differ slightly in substituents possess completely different odor profiles [Ishikawa, et al., International Journal of Quantum Chemistry 79: 101-108(2000)]. In the case of tert-butyl cyclohexanes, the odor is said to be dependent on the compounds' stereochemistry as well as configuration and therefore analogs adopting same stereochemistry possess similar odor. Accordingly, many trans-compounds are shown to share pronounced urine-perspiration-type odor, while the corresponding cis-compounds are odorless or at the most possess weak and undefinable flowery or woody odor. However, some other trans- and cis-tert-butyl cyclohexanes are shown to possess opposite sensory activities [Ohloff, et al., Helvetica Chimica Acta 66, Fasc. 5: 1343-1354 (1983)]. Thus, it is hard for those with skill in the art to predict a given structure would be effective in sensory activities. Identifying desirable fragrance chemicals continues to pose difficult challenges.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides novel compounds, the unexpected advantageous use thereof in enhancing, improving or modifying the fragrance of perfumes, colognes, toilet waters, fabric care products, personal products and the like.

More specifically, the present invention relates to novel (alkoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene compounds represented by Formula I set forth below:

-   -   wherein an alkoxymethylene group, ═CHOR, is present at position         1, 2 or 3; and     -   wherein R represents a C₁₋₃ alkyl group.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a fragrance formulation comprising the novel compounds provided above.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of improving, enhancing or modifying a fragrance formulation through the addition of an olfactory acceptable amount of the novel compounds provided above.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a fragrance product comprising the compounds provided above.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of counteracting malodor in an air space or a substrate comprising the step of introducing a malodor counteracting effective amount of the novel compounds provided above.

These and other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent by reading the following specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The (alkoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindenes represented by Formula I of the present invention are illustrated, for example, by following example:

1-(Methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene (Structure 1)

2-(Methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene (Structure 2)

1-(Ethoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene (Structure 3)

2-(Ethoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene (Structure 4)

The compounds of the present invention are surprisingly found to possess powerful and complex fragrance effect such as, for example, fruity, tropical, sweet and herbal notes.

Those with skill in the art will further recognize that some of the compounds of the present invention have a number of chiral centers, thereby providing numerous isomers of the claimed compounds. For example, 1-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene (Structure 1) may include (3 aS,4R,7S,7aR,E)-1-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene, (3aR,4R,7S,7aS,E)-1-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene, (3aS,4R,7S,7aR,Z)-1-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene, (3aR,4R,7S,7aS,Z)-1-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene or a mixture thereof. 2-(Methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene (Structure 2) may include (3aR,4S,7R,7aS)-2-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene, (3aR,4R,7S,7aS)-2-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene or a mixture thereof. It is intended herein that the compounds described herein include isomeric mixtures as well as single isomers that may be separated using techniques known to those having skill in the art. Suitable techniques include chromatography such as high performance liquid chromatography, referred to as HPLC, and particularly silica gel chromatography and gas chromatography trapping known as GC trapping. Yet, commercial products are mostly offered as isomeric mixtures. The term “a compound” is understood to mean one or more of the (methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindenes represented by Structure 1 as described herein. The preparation of the compounds of the present invention is detailed in the Examples. Materials were purchased from Aldrich Chemical Company unless noted otherwise.

The use of the compounds of the present invention is widely applicable in current perfumery products, including the preparations of perfumes and colognes, the perfuming of personal care products such as soaps, shower gels, and hair care products, fabric care products, air fresheners, and cosmetic preparations. The present invention can also be used to perfume cleaning agents, such as, but not limited to detergents, dishwashing materials, scrubbing compositions, window cleaners and the like. In these preparations, the compounds of the present invention can be used alone or in combination with other perfuming compositions, solvents, adjuvants and the like. The nature and variety of the other ingredients that can also be employed are known to those with skill in the art. Many types of fragrances can be employed in the present invention, the only limitation being the compatibility with the other components being employed. Suitable fragrances include but are not limited to fruits such as almond, apple, cherry, grape, pear, pineapple, orange, strawberry, raspberry; musk, flower scents such as lavender-like, rose-like, iris-like, carnation-like. Other pleasant scents include herbal and woodland scents derived from pine, spruce and other forest smells. Fragrances may also be derived from various oils, such as essential oils, or from plant materials such as peppermint, spearmint and the like.

A list of suitable fragrances is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 4,534,891, the contents of which are incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety. Another source of suitable fragrances is found in Perfumes, Cosmetics and Soaps, Second Edition, edited by W. A. Poucher, 1959. Among the fragrances provided in this treatise are acacia, cassie, chypre, cyclamen, fern, gardenia, hawthorn, heliotrope, honeysuckle, hyacinth, jasmine, lilac, lily, magnolia, mimosa, narcissus, freshly-cut hay, orange blossom, orchid, reseda, sweet pea, trefle, tuberose, vanilla, violet, wallflower, and the like.

The compounds of the present invention can be used in combination with a complementary fragrance compound. The term “complementary fragrance compound” as used herein is defined as a fragrance compound selected from the group consisting of 2-[(4-methylphenyl)methylene]-heptanal (Acalea), iso-amyl oxyacetic acid allylester (Allyl Amyl Glycolate), 4,4,10,10,11,12,12-heptamethyl-3-oxatricyclo[7.3.0.0<2,6>]dodecane (Amber Xtreme), (3,3-dimethylcyclohexyl)ethyl ethyl propane-1,3-dioate (Applelide), (E/Z)-1-ethoxy-1-decene (Arctical), 2-ethyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclo-penten-1-yl)-2-buten-1-ol (Bacdanol), 2-methyl-3-[(1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl)oxy] exo-1-propanol (Bornafix), 1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydro-1,1,2,3,3-pentamethyl-4H-inden-4-one (Cashmeran), trimethylcyclopentenylmethyloxabicyclooctane (Cassiffix), 1,1-dimethoxy-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene (Citral DMA), 3,7-dimethyl-6-octen-1-ol (Citronellol), 3A,4,5,6,7,7A-hexahydro-4,7-methano-1H-inden-5/6-yl acetate (Cyclacet), 3A,4,5,6,7,7A-hexahydro-4,7-methano-1H-inden-5/6-yl propinoate (Cyclaprop), 3A,4,5,6,7,7A-hexahydro-4,7-methano-1G-inden-5/6-yl butyrate (Cyclobutanate), 1-(2,6,6-trimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)-2-buten-1-one (Delta Damascone), 3-(4-ethylphenyl)-2,2-dimethyl propanenitrile (Fleuranil), 3-(O/P-ethylphenyl) 2,2-dimethyl propionaldehyde (Floralozone), tetrahydro-4-methyl-2-(2-methylpropyl)-2H-pyran-4-ol (Floriffol), 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta-gamma-2-benzopyran (Galaxolide), 1-(5,5-dimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)pent-4-en-1-one (Galbascone), E/Z-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-yl acetate (Geranyl Acetate), α-methyl-1,3-benzodioxole-5-propanal (Helional), 1-(2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-yl)-1,6-heptadien-3-one (Hexalon), (Z)-3-hexenyl-2-hydroxybenzoate (Hexenyl Salicylate, CIS-3), 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3-buten-2-one (Ionone α), 1-(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-2,3,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-ethan-1-one (Iso E Super), methyl 3-oxo-2-pentylcyclopentaneacetate (Kharismal), 2,2,4-trimethyl-4-phenyl-butanenitrile (Khusinil), 3,4,5,6,6-pentamethylhept-3-en-2-one (Koavone), 3/4-(4-hydroxy-4-methyl-pentyl) cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde (Lyral), 3-methyl-4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3-buten-2-one (Methyl Ionone γ), 1-(2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-yl) pent-1-en-3-one (Methyl Ionone α Extra, Methyl Ionone N), 3-methyl-4-phenylbutan-2-ol (Muguesia), cyclopentadec-4-en-1-one (Musk Z4), 3,3,4,5,5-pentamethyl-11,13-dioxatricyclo[7.4.0.0<2,6>]tridec-2(6)-ene (Nebulone), 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-yl acetate (Neryl Acetate), 3,7-dimethyl-1,3,6-octatriene (Ocimene), ortho-tolylethanol (Peomosa), 3-methyl-5-phenylpentanol (Phenoxanol), 1-methyl-4-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl) cyclohex-3-ene-1-carboxaldehyde (Precyclemone B), 4-methyl-8-methylene-2-adamantanol (Prismantol), 2-ethyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopenten-1-yl)-2-buten-1-ol (Sanjinol), 2-methyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopenten-1-yl)-2-buten-1-ol (Santaliff), 3-[cis-4-(2-methylpropyl)cyclohexyl]-1-propanal (Starfleur), Terpineol, 2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde (Triplal), decahydro-2,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethyl-2H-indeno[4,5-B]furan (Trisamber), 2-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate (Verdox), (3E)-4-methyldec-3-en-5-one (Veridian), 4-tert-butylcyclohexyL acetate (Vertenex), acetyl cedrene (Vertofix), 3,6/4,6-dimethylcyclohex-3-ene-1-carboxaldehyde (Vertoliff) and (3Z)-1-[(2-methyl-2-propenyl)oxy]-3-hexene (Vivaldie).

The term “alkyl” means a linear or branched saturated monovalent hydrocarbon, e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, 2-propyl, butyl (including all isomeric forms), pentyl (including all isomeric forms), hexyl (including all isomeric forms), and the like. The term “alkenyl” means a linear or branched unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond. The term “alkylene” refers to bivalent alkyl. Examples include —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂(CH₃)CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, and the like.

Complexity of odor notes refers to the presence of multiple and/or mixed but defined odors rather than a single note or a few easily identifiable notes. High levels of complexity are also assigned to compounds that possess ambiguous and somehow hard-to-define notes because of direct contribution or the many olfactive combinations of odors produced. Fragrance materials of high level complexity are considered having unusual and high quality.

The terms “fragrance formulation”, “fragrance composition”, and “perfume composition” mean the same and refer to a consumer composition that is a mixture of compounds including, for example, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, ethers, lactones, nitriles, natural oils, synthetic oils, and mercaptans, which are admixed so that the combined odors of the individual components produce a pleasant or desired fragrance. The fragrance formulation of the present invention is a consumer composition comprising a compound of the present invention. The fragrance formulation of the present invention may comprise a compound of the present invention and further a complementary fragrance compound as defined above.

The term “fragrance product” means a consumer product containing a fragrance ingredient that adds fragrance or masks malodor. Fragrance products may include, for example, perfumes, colognes, bar soaps, liquid soaps, shower gels, foam baths, cosmetics, skin care products such as creams, lotions and shaving products, hair care products for shampooing, rinsing, conditioning, bleaching, coloring, dyeing and styling, deodorants and antiperspirants, feminine care products such as tampons and feminine napkins, baby care products such as diapers, bibs and wipes, family care products such as bath tissues, facial tissues, paper handkerchiefs or paper towels, fabric products such as fabric softeners and fresheners, air care products such as air fresheners and fragrance delivery systems, cosmetic preparations, cleaning agents and disinfectants such as detergents, dishwashing materials, scrubbing compositions, glass and metal cleaners such as window cleaners, countertop cleaners, floor and carpet cleaners, toilet cleaners and bleach additives, washing agents such as all- purpose, heavy duty, and hand washing or fine fabric washing agents including laundry detergents and rinse additives, dental and oral hygiene products such as toothpastes, tooth gels, dental flosses, denture cleansers, denture adhesives, dentifrices, tooth whitening and mouthwashes, health care and nutritional products and food products such as snack and beverage products. The fragrance product of the present invention is a consumer product that contains a compound of the present invention. The fragrance product of the present invention may contain a compound of the present invention and further a complementary fragrance compound as defined above.

The term “improving” in the phrase “improving, enhancing or modifying a fragrance formulation” is understood to mean raising the fragrance formulation to a more desirable character. The term “enhancing” is understood to mean making the fragrance formulation greater in effectiveness or providing the fragrance formulation with an improved character. The term “modifying” is understood to mean providing the fragrance formulation with a change in character.

The term “olfactory acceptable amount” is understood to mean the amount of a compound in a fragrance formulation, wherein the compound will contribute its individual olfactory characteristics. However, the olfactory effect of the fragrance formulation will be the sum of effect of each of the fragrance ingredients. Thus, the compounds of the present invention can be used to improve or enhance the aroma characteristics of the fragrance formulation, or by modifying the olfactory reaction contributed by other ingredients in the formulation. The olfactory acceptable amount may vary depending on many factors including other ingredients, their relative amounts and the olfactory effect that is desired.

The amount of the compounds of the present invention employed in a fragrance formulation varies from about 0.005 to about 70 weight percent, preferably from 0.05 to about 50 weight percent, more preferably from about 0.5 to about 25 weight percent, and even more preferably from about 1 to about 10 weight percent. Those with skill in the art will be able to employ the desired amount to provide desired fragrance effect and intensity. In addition to the compounds of the present invention, other materials can also be used in conjunction with the fragrance formulation to encapsulate and/or deliver the fragrance. Some well-known materials are, for example, but not limited to, polymers, oligomers, other non-polymers such as surfactants, emulsifiers, lipids including fats, waxes and phospholipids, organic oils, mineral oils, petrolatum, natural oils, perfume fixatives, fibers, starches, sugars and solid surface materials such as zeolite and silica.

When used in a fragrance formulation these ingredients provide additional notes to make a fragrance formulation more desirable and noticeable, and add the perception of value. The odor qualities found in these materials assist in beautifying and enhancing the finished accord as well as improving the performance of the other materials in the fragrance.

In addition, the compounds of the present invention are also surprisingly found to provide superior ingredient performance and possess unexpected advantages in malodor counteracting applications such as body perspiration, environmental odor such as mold and mildew, bathroom, and etc. The compounds of the present invention substantially eliminate the perception of malodors and/or prevent the formation of such malodors, thus, can be utilized with a vast number of functional products.

Examples of the functional products are provided herein to illustrate the various aspects of the present invention. However, they do not intend to limit the scope of the present invention. The functional products may include, for example, a conventional room freshener (or deodorant) composition such as room freshener sprays, an aerosol or other spray, fragrance diffusers, a wick or other liquid system, or a solid, for instance candles or a wax base as in pomanders and plastics, powders as in sachets or dry sprays or gels, as in solid gel sticks, clothes deodorants as applied by washing machine applications such as in detergents, powders, liquids, whiteners or fabric softeners, fabric refreshers, linen sprays, closet blocks, closet aerosol sprays, or clothes storage areas or in dry cleaning to overcome residual solvent notes on clothes, bathroom accessories such as paper towels, bathroom tissues, sanitary napkins, towellets, disposable wash cloths, disposable diapers, and diaper pail deodorants, cleansers such as disinfectants and toilet bowl cleaners, cosmetic products such as antiperspirant and deodorants, general body deodorants in the form of powders, aerosols, liquids or solid, or hair care products such as hair sprays, conditioners, rinses, hair colors and dyes, permanent waves, depilatories, hair straighteners, hair groom applications such as pomade, creams and lotions, medicated hair care products containing such ingredients as selenium sulphide, coal tar or salicylates, or shampoos, or foot care products such as foot powders, liquids or colognes, after shaves and body lotions, or soaps and synthetic detergents such as bars, liquids, foams or powders, odor control such as during manufacturing processes, such as in the textile finishing industry and the printing industry (inks and paper), effluent control such as in processes involved in pulping, stock yard and meat processings, sewage treatment, garbage bags, or garbage disposal, or in product odor control as in textile finished goods, rubber finished goods or car fresheners, agricultural and pet care products such as dog and hen house effluents and domestic animal and pet care products such as deodorants, shampoo or cleaning agents, or animal litter material and in large scale closed air systems such as auditoria, and subways and transport systems.

Thus, it will be seen that the composition of the invention is usually one in which the malodor counteractant is present together with a carrier by means of which or from which the malodor counteractant can be introduced into air space wherein the malodor is present, or a substrate on which the malodor has deposited. For example, the carrier can be an aerosol propellant such as a chlorofluoro-methane, or a solid such as a wax, plastics material, rubber, inert powder or gel. In a wick-type air freshener, the carrier is a substantially odorless liquid of low volatility. In several applications, a composition of the invention contains a surface active agent or a disinfectant, while in others, the malodor counteractant is present on a fibrous substrate. In many compositions of the invention there is also present a fragrance component which imparts a fragrance to the composition. The fragrances stated above can all be employed.

Malodor counteracting effective amount is understood to mean the amount of the inventive malodor counteractant employed in a functional product that is organoleptically effective to abate a given malodor while reducing the combined intensity of the odor level, wherein the given malodor is present in air space or has deposited on a substrate. The exact amount of malodor counteractant agent employed may vary depending upon the type of malodor counteractant, the type of the carrier employed, and the level of malodor counteractancy desired. In general, the amount of malodor counteractant agent present is the ordinary dosage required to obtain the desired result. Such dosage is known to the skilled practitioner in the art. In a preferred embodiment, when used in conjunction with malodorous solid or liquid functional products, e.g., soap and detergent, the compounds of the present invention may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.005 to about 50 weight percent, preferably from about 0.01 to about 20 weight percent, and more preferably from about 0.05 to about 5 weight percent, and when used in conjunction with malodorous gaseous functional products, the compounds of the present invention may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to 500 mg per cubic meter of air.

The following are provided as specific embodiments of the present invention. Other modifications of this invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications are understood to be within the scope of this invention. As used herein all percentages are weight percent unless otherwise noted, ppm is understood to stand for parts per million, L is understood to be liter, mL is understood to be milliliter, g is understood to be gram, Kg is understood to be kilogram, mol is understood to be mole, psi is understood to be pounds per square inch and mmHg be millimeters (mm) of mercury (Hg). IFF as used in the examples is understood to mean International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., New York, N.Y., USA.

EXAMPLE I

Preparation of 1-(Dimethoxymethyl)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene and 2-(Dimethoxymethyl)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene: A 5-L reaction flask was charged with a mixture of octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene-1-carbaldehyde and octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene-2-carbaldehyde (weight ratio of ˜70:30) (commercially available at IFF) (1 Kg) and trimethylorthoformate (HC(OCH₃)₃) (1.615 Kg). The reaction flask was cooled to 0° C. and hydrochloric acid (HCl) (11 g) was added. The reaction flask was then warmed to room temperature. The reaction mixture was aged for four (4) hours and quenched with sodium methoxide (NaOMe) (15 g). The reaction mixture was rushed over to afford a mixture of 1-(dimethoxymethyl)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene and 2-(dimethoxymethyl)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene (weight ratio of ˜70:30) (1.2 Kg).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): 4.13 (br d, J=6.8 Hz, 80% of 1H), 3.99 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 20% of 1H), 3.36(s, 3H), 3.32 (s, 3H), 0.70-2.42 (m, 15H)

EXAMPLE II

Preparation of 1-(Methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene (Structure 1) and 2-(Methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene (Structure 2): A 3-L reaction flask fitted with a Bidwell-Sterling trap was charged with Primol oil (200 mL), phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) (5 g) and pyridine (C₅H₅N) (11 g). The mixture was heated to 190° C. and the mixture of 1-(dimethoxymethyl)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene and 2-(dimethoxymethyl)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene (1.2 Kg, obtained in EXAMPLE I) was fed in dropwise over 4 hours. The reaction mixture was aged for additional four (4) hours, cooled to room temperature and quenched with water. The aqueous layer was removed and the organic layer was washed with saturated sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) solution. Further distillation of the resulting mixture afforded a mixture of 1-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene and 2-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene (weight ratio of ˜70:30) (665 g) containing (3aS,4R,7S,7aR,E)-1-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene (˜38%), (3aS ,4S ,7R,7aR,E)-1-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene (˜2%), (3aS,4R,7S ,7aR,Z)-1-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene (˜25%), (3aS,4S,7R,7 aR,Z)-1-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene (˜2%), (3aR,4S,7R,7aS)-2-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene (˜26%) and (3aR,4R,7S,7aS)-2-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene (˜2%).

The obtained mixture was described as having fruity, tropical, sweet, herbal, strong and complex notes.

(3aS,4R,7S,7aR,E)-1-(Methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene has the following NMR spectral characteristics:

¹H NMR (500 MHz, Acetone-d6): 5.90-5.93 (m, 1H), 3.52 (s, 3H), 2.35-2.42 (m, 1H), 2.31 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 2.04-2.08 (m, 1H), 1.94-2.01 (m, 3H), 1.85-1.93 (m, 1H), 1.41-1.49 (m, 2H), 1.27-1.31 (m, 1H), 1.08-1.18 (m, 3H), 0.92-0.96 (m, 1H)

(3aS,4R,7S,7aR,E)-1-(Methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene was described as having fruity, apple-like and herbal notes.

(3aS,4R,7S,7aR,Z)-1-(Methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene has the following NMR spectral characteristics:

¹H NMR (500 MHz, Acetone-d6): 5.89-5.92 (m, 1H), 3.52 (s, 3H), 2.53 (s, 1H), 2.43 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 2.08-2.20 (m, 2H), 1.94-2.05 (m, 2H), 1.81-1.88 (m, 1H), 1.42-1.48 (m, 2H), 1.22-1.31 (m, 2H), 1.06-1.18 (m, 2H), 0.91-0.95 (m, 1H)

(3aS,4R,7S,7aR,Z)-1-(Methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene was described as having fruity, apple-like and green notes.

(3aR,4S,7R,7aS)-2-(Methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene has the following NMR spectral characteristics:

¹NMR (500 MHz, Acetone-d6): 5.80 (quint, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 3.49 (s, 3H), 2.49-2.55 (m, 1H), 2.36-2.42 (m, 1H), 1.91-1.99 (m, 4H), 1.76-1.86 (m, 2H), 1.42-1.48 (m, 3H), 1.08-1.13 (m, 2H), 0.94-0.98(m, 1H)

(3aR,4S,7R,7aS)-2-(Methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene was described as having fruity, berry-like and herbal notes.

EXAMPLE III

Preparation of 1-(Ethoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene (Structure 3) and 2-(Ethoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene (Structure 4): (Ethoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindenes were similarly prepared according to EXAMPLEs I-II. A mixture of (E/Z)-1-(ethoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene (Structure 3) and 2-(ethoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene (Structure 4) (weight ratio of ˜70:30) (298 g) was obtained from reacting the mixture of octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene-1-carbaldehyde and octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene-2-carbaldehyde (weight ratio of ˜70:30) (350 g) and triethylorthoformate(HC(OCH₂CH₃)₃) (474 g).

The obtained mixture was described as having fruity, floral and sweet but very thin notes with no volume.

1-(Ethoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene has the following NMR spectral characteristics:

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 5.89-5.93 (m, 1H), 3.75 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 0.92-2.63 (m, 17H)

2-(Ethoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene has the following NMR spectral characteristics:

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 5.81 (quint, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 3.69-3.79 (m, 2H), 0.92-2.63 (m, 17H)

EXAMPLE IV

The fragrance properties of the above compounds were evaluated using (i) odor strength of 0 to 10, where 0=none, 1=very weak, 5=moderate, 10=extremely strong; and (ii) level of complexity, where 0=none, 1=very low, 5=moderate, 10=extremely high. Averaged scores are reported in the following:

Compound Odor Profile Strength Complexity Octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene- Camphoraceous, cuminic, green, 5 4 1 & 2-carbaldehyde minty and woody (3aS,4R,7S,7aR,E)-Structure 1 Fruity, apple-like and herbal 8 9 (3aS,4R,7S,7aR,Z)-Structure 1 Fruity, apple-like and green 8 8 (3aR,4S,7R,7aS)-Structure 2 Fruity, berry-like and herbal 6 7 Structure 1 & 2 Fruity, tropical, sweet, herbal 9 10 Structure 3 & 4 Fruity, floral and sweet 4 4

Structure 1, Structure 2 and the mixture thereof exhibited unique and particularly desirable notes. Their odor profiles are strong and complex, superior to other analog compounds. Such advantageous properties are unexpected.

EXAMPLE V

Establishment of Malodor Models: The sweat, mold/mildew, bathroom and smoke malodor models were prepared based on Applicants' proprietary formulations for assessing the effectiveness of various malodor counteractants.

Preparation of Test Samples: Two aluminum dishes were placed in an 8 oz glass jar. A malodor material was pipetted into one aluminum dish, and the mixture of (methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene (Structure 1 and 2, prepared above in EXAMPLE I-II) diluted in a solvent (0.5%, 1%, 5% and 10%, respectively) or a solvent alone control was pipetted into the other aluminum dish. The jar was then capped and the samples were allowed to equilibrate for one hour before the testing.

Testing Procedure: Test samples were presented in a blind and random order to 15-18 internal panelists (consisting of men/women with an age range of 25 to 55). However, different odor samples were arranged in an alternative order (for example, sweat, mold/mildew, sweat, mold/mildew, and etc.).

The panelists were instructed to take the steps of i) sniff jars containing only the malodor materials for familiarization prior to the testing; ii) uncap a jar; iii) place their noses at a distance of about 3-4 inches above the opening; iv) take short sniffs for 3 seconds; and v) enter a rating of overall intensity and malodor intensity on a handheld computer.

The overall and malodor intensity was rated using the Labeled Magnitude Scale (LMS) [Green, et al., Chemical Senses, 21(3), June 1996, 323-334]. Percent malodor reduction (“% MOR”) represents the perceived reduction in mean malodor intensity of the sample containing the malodor in the presence of a malodor counteractant relative to the negative control (Malodor Alone).

Results and Discussion: The mean ranks of the malodor coverage for the above test were as follows:

Malodor Structure 1 and 2 (%) % MOR Sweat 0.5 24.30 1 70.31 5 82.73 10 87.45 Mold/Mildew 0.5 57.20 1 56.38 5 72.33 10 83.83 Bathroom 0.5 57042 1 67.04 5 67.44 10 76.59 Smoke 0.5 42.06 1 68.98 5 79.17 10 79.68

The (methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindenes (Structure 1 and 2) were demonstrated effective in counteracting various types of malodors. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of formula:

wherein an alkoxymethylene group, ═CHOR, is present at position 1, 2 or 3; and wherein R represents a C₁₋₃ alkyl group.
 2. The compound of claim 1 selected from the group consisting of: 1-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene; 2-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene; 1-(ethoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene; 2-(ethoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene; and a mixture thereof.
 3. The compound of claim 2, wherein the compound is a mixture of 1-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene and 2-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene.
 4. A fragrance formulation containing an olfactory acceptable amount of a compound of formula:

wherein an alkoxymethylene group, ═CHOR, is present at position 1, 2 or 3; and wherein R represents a C₁₋₃ alkyl group.
 5. The fragrance formulation of claim 4, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of: 1-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene; 2-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene; 1-(ethoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene; 2-(ethoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene; and a mixture thereof.
 6. The fragrance formulation of claim 5, wherein the compound is a mixture of 1-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene and 2-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene.
 7. The fragrance formulation of claim 4, wherein the olfactory acceptable amount is from about 0.005 to about 50 weight percent of the fragrance formulation.
 8. The fragrance formulation of claim 4, wherein the olfactory acceptable amount is from about 0.1 to about 25 weight percent of the fragrance formulation.
 9. The fragrance formulation of claim 4, wherein the olfactory acceptable amount is from about 0.5 to about 10 weight percent of the fragrance formulation.
 10. The fragrance formulation of claim 4 further comprising a polymer.
 11. The fragrance formulation of claim 10, wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyacrylate, polyurea, polyurethane, polyacrylamide, polyester, polyether, polyamide, poly(acrylate-co-acrylamide), starch, silica, gelatin and gum Arabic, alginate, chitosan, polylactide, poly(melamine-formaldehyde), poly(urea-formaldehyde) and a combination thereof.
 12. A method of improving, enhancing or modifying a fragrance formulation comprising the step of adding to the fragrance formulation an olfactory acceptable amount of a compound of formula:

wherein an alkoxymethylene group, ═CHOR, is present at position 1, 2 or 3; and wherein R represents a C₁₋₃ alkyl group.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of: 1-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene; 2-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene; 1-(ethoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene; 2-(ethoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene; and a mixture thereof.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the compound is a mixture of 1-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene and 2-(methoxymethylene)octahydro-1H-4,7-methanoindene.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the olfactory acceptable amount is from about 0.005 to about 50 weight percent of the fragrance formulation.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the olfactory acceptable amount is from about 0.5 to about 25 weight percent of the fragrance formulation.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the olfactory acceptable amount is from about 1 to about 10 weight percent of the fragrance formulation.
 18. A fragrance product containing an olfactory acceptable amount of the compound of claim
 1. 19. The fragrance product of claim 18, wherein the fragrance product is selected from the group consisting of a perfume, a cologne, toilet water, a cosmetic product, a personal care product, a fabric care product, a cleaning agent and an air freshener, a bar soap, a liquid soap, a shower gel, a foam bath, a cosmetic, a skin care product, a hair care product, a deodorant, an antiperspirant, a feminine care product, a baby care product, a family care product, a fabric product, an air care product, a fragrance delivery system, a cosmetic preparation, a disinfectant, a washing agent, a dental and oral hygiene product, a health care and nutritional product and a food product.
 20. A method of counteracting malodor in an air space or a substrate comprising the step of introducing in the air space or the substrate a malodor counteracting effective amount of the compound of claim
 1. 